How to Choose a Moving Company

Moving Company Collierville TN provides various services for local, long-distance, and international moves. They handle the transportation of your belongings, including storage in transit (SIT).

Movers

When choosing a moving company, look for one with a good reputation. A personal recommendation can help ease your mind and make the process more stress-free. You should also check their business history.

Several factors affect the cost of moving company services. These include the size of your home and its contents, the distance your belongings will travel, and the number of movers required. In addition, there may be additional costs for packing and unpacking, specialty items and additional transportation charges. You should also factor in any insurance costs and storage costs.

Local movers typically charge anywhere from $40-$150 per hour, depending on the type of move. For example, a move from an apartment to another within the same building will cost less than a move from a four-bedroom house to a new city. Other costs may include truck rental fees, if the move requires one. The average cost of a truck rental for a local move is $155 and can go as high as $1,000 for a long-distance move. You should also consider the cost of any add-on services, such as disassembling and reassembling furniture, and cleaning and vacuuming. These services can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget accordingly.

Long-distance movers often offer flat rates for their services, which are based on the total weight of the shipment and the distance to be traveled. These rates are often lower than full-service moves, but you should still expect to pay more if you have a lot of items or need extra services. For instance, if you have an especially large or heavy item, your moving company may require the use of a specialized vehicle.

If you want to insure your belongings, you’ll need to choose between released value or full-value insurance. Released value is the most affordable option, but it doesn’t cover everything. Full-value insurance is more expensive, but it provides more protection for your belongings. You’ll also need to choose between a basic plan or a premium plan, which covers more than the basics.

Lastly, you’ll need to factor in any car shipping costs, if necessary. The cost of shipping your vehicle depends on the distance, type of car, and whether you need a trailer or an enclosed container. In addition, you’ll need to decide whether to ship your car yourself or let your moving company handle it.

Reputation

A good reputation is crucial for a moving company, as word-of-mouth travels fast in the industry. A reputable company should have a well-designed website and a number of positive reviews on various websites. However, it’s important to check the company’s complaint history as well. If there are many complaints, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.

It’s also a red flag if a moving company refuses to provide references or doesn’t have any online reviews at all. This is because even the best companies get bad reviews from time to time, and it’s a sign that they may not be as honest or reliable as they claim to be.

Another thing to watch out for is a company that changes its name frequently. This is usually a sign that it’s trying to avoid bad reviews and angry customers.

Moving companies are a big part of the relocating process. They provide a variety of services and can help you save time, money, and stress. In addition to delivering packing and moving services, they also offer storage services and can take care of the transport process. They have specialized equipment such as dollies, furniture pads, and moving straps to protect your items during transit. Additionally, they have a fleet of trucks that are designed specifically for the transportation of household goods.

A good moving company will make the entire process of relocation as smooth and hassle-free as possible for their clients. They’ll have experienced staff that will be able to handle any situation, and they’ll also have a comprehensive range of packaging supplies to ensure your belongings are safe and secure.

A reputable mover will also offer insurance to their clients, which is an important feature for any moving company. In addition to standard liability coverage, they should be able to provide full value protection coverage. This coverage will cover the cost of your possessions up to a certain amount.

Experience

When choosing a moving company, it is important to choose one that has an established history and reputation in the industry. It is also essential to perform thorough research before hiring any company, so that you can be confident that the services they provide are accurate and fair. Some companies require that you fill out a home inventory to ensure that the quote you receive will be as close as possible to what you actually end up paying on moving day. Some may even ask you to do a video chat or visit the property in person.

While you’re researching moving companies, look for customer reviews and ratings. Be wary of a company with nothing but 5-star reviews, as this could be a sign of fake reviews. In addition, if the office staff or estimator doesn’t take the time to listen to your concerns, this is a red flag.

Depending on your specific needs, you should also consider whether the moving company offers specialty services. For example, if you have a large antique collection, you’ll want to find a moving company that has experience in handling such items. Other specialties include white glove moving, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and storage solutions.

Finally, it’s important to find a company that is licensed and insured. You should be able to verify this by contacting the moving company directly or asking them for proof of their license. Most reputable moving companies will be happy to provide this information.

Another factor to consider when hiring a moving company is their seasonality. Movers typically start to book up in the spring, peaking in July, and then winding down after September. During this busy season, it is important to choose a company with enough workers to handle your move.

Finally, you should choose a company that is reliable and provides excellent customer service. This is especially true for interstate moves, as it’s a very stressful time for you and your family. Make sure that the moving company you hire has a track record of reliability and is licensed and insured. In addition, make sure that they have the proper equipment to safely transport your belongings.

Insurance

Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, it’s important to make sure that your belongings are protected. A good moving company will carry insurance to ensure that your items are covered in the event of damage or loss during transit. However, not all insurers offer the same coverage or prices. So, before you hire a mover, it’s important to check their credentials and affiliation with reputable associations. Also, find out about their insurance offerings, including specific coverage for high-value items.

The majority of movers will provide some form of insurance. They will usually have two different levels of coverage: full value protection and released value protection. Full value protection will cover the replacement value of your belongings if they are lost or damaged during shipment. This coverage can include repair, replacement with a similar item or a cash settlement for the current market value of your belongings. It can cost more than released value protection, but it provides greater peace of mind for customers.

Released value protection is the basic standard for interstate movers. It covers your belongings up to 60 cents per pound for each article that’s lost or damaged during the move. This is a federal requirement, but it may not be enough to replace your valuable items. Some movers also offer additional coverage through third-party insurance companies for an additional fee. This will augment the basic coverage provided by the mover.

It’s important to note that most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover property damage while it is in the care of a moving company. So, you should consider purchasing a separate policy for your belongings during transit and storage. In addition, you should also keep in mind that filing a claim will be easier if you document everything carefully. This means taking clear photos, maintaining receipts and getting appraisals.

It’s also a good idea to verify the moving company’s licensing. A legitimate moving company should be a member of a reputable industry association and will have their credentials displayed on their website or office. It’s also a good idea to check their reputation with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer advocates. You should also ask the company to provide you with a written copy of their liability insurance at the time of signing the contract.

Choosing the Right Long Distance Moving Company

Choosing the Right LongDistance Moving Company

Choosing the right long-distance moving company can be a tricky task. You will need to do your research and compare several professional movers to pick the one that is best for you.

Begin by asking for personal recommendations from trusted friends and family. Then, an in-house survey will be requested to receive precise moving cost estimates.

Allied is one of the top full-service moving companies in the country, and its international network extends all across the globe. Its moving and storage services include packing, labor-only loading, shipping containers, temporary in-transit and long-term storage, corporate relocation, car transportation, and warehouse services. The company also provides third-party assistance for disassembly and reassembly of large items, such as furniture and appliances.

Before putting together a quote for your move, Allied representatives will perform an on-site inspection of your home. They will look behind doors, in drawers and closets to survey every room and item. They will also take into account items in the garage, basement, and attic. This process takes around eight weeks, and is free of charge. The representative will then figure out the weight of your belongings and discuss optional services you may want to add to your package.

In addition to offering a variety of service options, Allied is known for its customer support. It pairs each customer with a personal relocation assistant who will be their point of contact throughout the process. This makes communication simple, and reduces the stress of a move. Allied also offers shipment tracking through GlobalCom, which allows customers to follow their possessions from the moment they leave their old home until they arrive at their new location.

Another advantage of Allied is its guaranteed pricing. Unlike many other moving companies, Allied does not increase its prices after the initial in-home estimate. This means that you can plan your move with confidence and avoid paying more than you expected. Allied also offers extra insurance coverage, which is optional but highly recommended.

Despite its reputation, Allied does have some negative reviews. Some of its carriers have poor review scores, and some have been accused of damage to property. However, most of these complaints are a result of the carrier, not Allied itself. This is a common problem in the moving industry, and it is important to research each carrier individually. Additionally, be sure to read moving company reviews in your local area before selecting a carrier.

United Van Lines

United Van Lines is one of the largest moving companies in the world. It has been around since 1928 and is licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to operate as both a carrier (using its own trucks and staff) and a broker (contracting with third parties). The company is also a General Services Administration-approved carrier, meaning it can move members of the military and government personnel between temporary assignments or permanent changes of station.

The company’s website offers a variety of helpful resources for customers who are planning a move. In addition to a detailed cost calculator, the site features a series of articles that discuss how to prepare for a move, questions to ask a moving company, and more. While some of these articles are geared toward steering customers to use the company, others offer valuable guidance for anyone planning a move.

During the process of requesting an estimate, customers can schedule a visual survey for their home on the website or through the MyUnited Move Portal app. After the inspection, a local United agent will create a customized quote for the move. The cost of the service will depend on factors like the size of the original and new homes, what services are needed, and other details.

In addition to offering full-service residential moves, United Van Lines also provides a number of options for commercial moves. These services include office relocation, corporate relocation, and specialized packing. The company also offers a variety of storage options, including both short-term and long-term storage. For those looking to relocate a family vehicle, the company can provide door-to-door auto shipping.

Another unique feature of United is its Snapmoves service. This service is aimed at helping individuals who are relocating on a tight deadline. It is offered as part of a full-service move and includes a dedicated move coordinator, packing and unpacking services, storage options, and more. In addition, customers can take advantage of a variety of discounts, such as a 10% discount on select boxes and an introductory rate on storage units.

Atlas Van Lines

The company’s blue and silver trucks are some of the most recognizable in the industry. Their professional staff members are background-checked and screened to ensure that they can treat your belongings with care and respect. Their services include local and interstate moves, storage in transit, packing and crating services, and auto transportation. They also have a full range of international moving options for corporate relocations, military moves, and government assignments.

Atlas’ website is easy to navigate and offers many online tools to assist you with your move. You can start by supplying your address on the map to find an agent near you. Once you have located an agent, you can request a free estimate. The estimate depends on the distance your movers will have to travel, your level of insurance coverage, and any add-ons you’ve selected.

Depending on your specific situation, you may need to schedule a video survey or an in-home estimate with your agent to receive the most accurate quote. During this time, you can provide your Atlas agent with an inventory of items to be moved, including the condition and amount of each item.

Another feature of Atlas’ service is the No Strangers in Your Home® program, which guarantees that only professionals approved by Atlas will handle your belongings. They are background-checked and screened, and undergo extensive training in moving practices and customer service tactics. Additionally, they must meet strict requirements to be hired.

The Atlas website also provides a wide variety of informative blogs and moving tips to help you with your move. They also have a mobile app where you can upload a virtual inventory of your belongings and get a free estimate without an in-home visit. You can also use the mobile app to track your shipment and access the customer portal for your Atlas account.

American Moving & Storage

American Moving & Storage is a full-service company that provides local and international moves for both homes and offices. Its team also handles packing, crating, disassembly and reassembly of furniture and other items. Its website features a mobile app that allows you to create an in-home virtual estimate and add details for a customized quote. You can request a quote online, by phone or in person.

The company’s crew is made up of professional movers who have been trained to pack, unpack and transport items. Its movers also provide free insurance and secure, climate-controlled storage. Its employees wear uniforms and are background-checked. They are licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Surface Transportation Board. The company is also a member of the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA).

AMSA is a non-profit trade association that represents members of the household goods moving industry based in the United States. Its membership includes van lines and their agents, independent movers, forwarders, industry suppliers and certain individuals and organizations. AMSA’s services include professional training and certification, statistical industry reporting, arbitration services for loss or damage claims, state and federal government rate filing, and professional conferences. Its Moving & Storage Institute provides research, scholarships and publications. AMSA was formed in 2008 from the merger of three predecessor organizations: the National Moving & Storage Association, the American Movers Conference and the Household Goods Carriers’ Bureau. It was absorbed by the American Trucking Associations in 2020.

Aside from its residential and commercial moving services, American Moving & Storage also offers long-distance move shuttles between major cities. Its shuttle service has weekly trips to Florida, Los Angeles and Dallas. Its movers are knowledgeable about customs and paperwork and can assist you with international moves.

Its movers are also experienced in office moves. The team uses protective foam and other materials to ensure that your technology and equipment arrives at its new location in good condition. Its staff is trained to unpack and reassemble furniture, and it can handle a wide range of special requirements, including moving antiques and heavy equipment.